Motherwell manager Graham Alexander admits midfielder Robbie Crawford could miss 'four to six weeks' with an ankle injury .
The Steelmen host Celtic on Saturday and will look to build on their impressive run of form which has them placed fourth in the Premiership.
Crawford has only featured in three League Cup matches so far this term after 26 appearances in his first spell at Fir Park last season.
He now faces a period in the medical room with an ankle ligament problem. Fellow midfielders like Mark O'Hara and Liam Grimshaw have also battled fitness issues in the early stages of this season.
"Robbie has unfortunately damaged his ankle," said Alexander. "I think he'll be out for over a month. It's not like Robbie to go down.
"He's a tough character and for him to down in training is unusual. He's damaged his ankle ligaments so I expect him to be out for four to six weeks."
There's positive news elsewhere in the Motherwell camp. Norwegian defender Sondre Solholm Johansen could return against Celtic, having not played since his debut last month against Aberdeen.
"When our squad is fully fit, we have a really competitive group," added Alexander. "We have choices to make, which is great.
"The players understand the strong competition. Sol's had a full week of training with us which is great.
"So hopefully we make the right choices which give us a good chance."
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